Acts 21

Paul Goes to Jerusalem

1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding 1 disciples, we stayed there seven days. a They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And b we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned c home.

7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we 2 who were Paul's companions departed and came to d Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip e the evangelist, f who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters g who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named h Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, i 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, j "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, k "The will of the Lord be done."

15 And after those days we 3 packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

Paul Visits James

17 l And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to m James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, n he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles o through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all p zealous for the law; 21 "but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 4 "What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 "Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 "Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may q shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 "But concerning the Gentiles who believe, r we have written and decided 5 that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from 6 sexual immorality." 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, s entered the temple t to announce the 7 expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.

Paul Arrested in the Temple

27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, u the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and v laid hands on him, 28 crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man w who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29 (For they had 8 previously seen x Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And y all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. 31 Now as they were z seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the 9 garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 a He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the b commander came near and took him, and c commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another. So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. 35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, d "Away with him!"

Paul Speaks to the People

37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?" He replied, "Can you speak Greek? 38 e "Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 But Paul said, f "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no 10 mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and g motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the h Hebrew language, saying,

  1. Cross References
    Acts 20:23
    Except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
    Acts 21:12
    Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
  2. Cross References
    Luke 22:41
    And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed.
    Acts 9:40
    But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
    Acts 20:36
    And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
  3. Cross References
    John 1:11
    He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 8:40
    But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
    Acts 21:16
    Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
  5. Cross References
    Acts 8:5
    Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
    Acts 8:26
    Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.
    Acts 8:40
    But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
    Ephesians 4:11
    And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
    2 Timothy 4:5
    But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 6:5
    And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
  7. Cross References
    Joel 2:28
    And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.
    Acts 2:17
    And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
  8. Cross References
    Acts 11:28
    Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  9. Cross References
    Acts 20:23
    Except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
    Acts 21:33
    Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done.
    Acts 22:25
    And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?
  10. Cross References
    Acts 20:24
    But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
    Acts 20:37
    Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him.
  11. Cross References
    Matthew 6:10
    Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
    Matthew 26:42
    Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.
    Luke 11:2
    So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
    Luke 22:42
    Saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 15:4
    And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 15:13
    And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me:
    Galatians 1:19
    But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
    Galatians 2:9
    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 15:4
    And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.
    Acts 15:12
    Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.
    Romans 15:18
    For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient -
    Romans 15:19
    In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 1:17
    "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."
    Acts 20:24
    But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
    1 Timothy 2:7
    For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle - I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying - a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 15:1
    And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.
    Acts 22:3
    I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
    Romans 10:2
    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
    Galatians 1:14
    And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
  17. Cross References
    Numbers 6:2
    Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD.
    Numbers 6:13
    Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
    Numbers 6:18
    Then the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and shall take the hair from his consecrated head and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offering.
    Acts 18:18
    So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
  18. Cross References
    Acts 15:19
    Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.
    Acts 15:20
    But that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.
    Acts 15:29
    That you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
  19. Cross References
    John 11:55
    And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.
    Acts 21:24
    Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
    Acts 24:18
    In the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.
  20. Cross References
    Numbers 6:13
    Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
    Acts 24:18
    In the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.
  21. Cross References
    Acts 20:19
    Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews.
    Acts 24:18
    In the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.
  22. Cross References
    Acts 26:21
    For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 24:15
    Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand).
    Acts 6:13
    They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
    Acts 24:6
    He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 20:4
    And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia - also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
  25. Cross References
    2 Kings 11:15
    And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the army, and said to them, "Take her outside under guard, and slay with the sword whoever follows her." For the priest had said, "Do not let her be killed in the house of the LORD.
    Acts 16:19
    But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
    Acts 26:21
    For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
  26. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:23
    Are they ministers of Christ? - I speak as a fool - I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 23:27
    This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
    Acts 24:7
    But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 24:7
    But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 20:23
    Except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
    Acts 21:11
    When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'
    Ephesians 6:20
    For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
    2 Timothy 1:16
    The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
    2 Timothy 2:9
    For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
  30. Cross References
    Luke 23:18
    And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas" -
    John 19:15
    But they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!
    Acts 22:22
    And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!
  31. Cross References
    Acts 5:36
    For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
  32. Cross References
    Acts 9:11
    So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
    Acts 22:3
    I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
    Philippians 3:4 - 6
    Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
  33. Cross References
    Acts 12:17
    But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.
  34. Cross References
    John 5:2
    Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
    Acts 22:2
    And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said:
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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